Hanukkah is a joyous Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days around the world. Celebrants commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire. One of the primary symbols of the holiday is the lighting of the menorah, a candelabra with eight nights lit to represent the candelabra lighting the Holy Temple. A question many people have is when do you light the Hanukkah candles?
The traditional wording instructs that Hanukkah candles should be lit “from evening until night”. On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, one night’s worth of candles is added. On the first night, one candle is lit; on the second night, two candles are lit and so on, until all eight are lit. Typically, light the candles just before the onset of the night, which is any time after sunset and before the appearance of three stars in the night sky.
Lighting the Hanukkah Candles
Basic Steps
- On each night of Hanukkah, light the number of candles that correspond with the current night. (e.g. On the first night one candle, second night two candles, etc.)
- Light the Hanukkah Candles from left to right.
- Traditionally, three blessings are said:
- The Blessing over the Candles: The basic blessings said before all candle lighting.
- The Blessing of Shehecheyanu: The blessing spoken on only the first night.
- The Blessing for Fulfilling the Commandment: Automatically included when lighting candles.
However, if the Jewish menorah, or hanukkiah has been lit after dusk, the blessings can be said in the morning before the Hanukkah candles are lit.
Additional blessings such as ‘Al ha Nissim’ or ‘Ha Ma’oz Tzur’ can be added as well as reciting the story of Hanukkah.
Lighting the menorah is both a spiritual and a festive activity which marks a time of joyous celebration. It is a beautiful way to remember the miracles and to commemorate the Hanukkah story. Therefore, those who wish to celebrate Hanukkah should light the menorah once the sun has set and preferably just before the appearance of three stars in the night sky.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.